To succeed in the field of technology, passing numerous certifications is a must. One of the most important — not only for professionals, but for students and educators as well — is CompTIA A+. Launched in 2015, CompTIA A+ covers nine IT skills that will help you get ahead of your career.

Nail the exam by being prepared. Here are some tips:

Take a practice test

Try a CompTIA A+ certification practice test to prepare you. Many websites and review centers offer this, so go for the one with a good reputation and client base. Taking a practice test will show how test questions are structured and how long each chapter is. It will also help gauge your knowledge, allowing you to identify your strong and weak points.

Study the objectives

Know what to study for the exam by downloading the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 blueprints on their website. The two objective documents give an overview of the test by breaking down their contents in nine chapters. It also shows the percentage of each chapter in the examination. Build your reviewer around these to familiarize yourself with the test.

Get your hands dirty

They say that experience is the best teacher. As CompTIA A+ is a performance-based exam, it’s only logical to know — or even perfect — the processes involved in handling and managing a computer device. Apply your knowledge to a real computer to know how its system truly works. Deconstruct, rebuild, and study it as a whole so you can answer even the most technical questions. Perfecting this will surely land you an A+.

Certifications are important in the IT industry. Nail the CompTIA A+ test so you have a good foundation in your career. Read and apply your learning to know how it really works. It also helps if you get a mentor who can guide you throughout. Good luck!

For IT professionals, Utah is the place to be. If you’re following the money, you will look for work opportunities in Salt Lake City, where Amazon has just announced a new fulfillment center. This will reportedly open 1500 full-time jobs, all of which are available for the locals.

But in a competitive city like Salt Lake City, how do you stand out?

Be Certified

You may think a diploma from the University of Utah is enough to land you a job. Sure, you could be right. But if you want a job that pays well, you need to be certified. Ace that A+ certification practice test to prepare for the real thing. Being a certified IT professional tells potential employers that you are not just knowledgeable; you are one of the best in the IT industry.

Know Your Platform

Information technology has several branches. Utah is reportedly doubling down on digital assistants, and tech savvy individuals are improving their skill sets to catch up. Take additional classes if you must, or go to seminars to learn more. Those certificates you get for participating in a seminar can also be handy in padding up your resume.

Should you focus on one area, then? It’s preferable to be versatile because job roles in the IT industry often require you to be, but having a specialization is an advantage if you target job opportunities looking for a particular set of skills.

Be Where the Tech Giants Are

There has been a 5.7% increase in the median salary in Utah, all thanks to the job opportunities available from IT companies. This does not mean you can get a job from just sitting at home, however. You need to go out there, find opportunities, and make a good impression. Nail your interview. Build a name for yourself through online means. Be loud. Be noticeable.

Utah has a booming IT industry, and you can take advantage of it. By following these tips, you can land a job that pays well.